ARRS: New System Tracks Radiation Exposure Information

TUESDAY, May 4 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have developed a computer-based system that tracks radiation dose exposure for each patient who receives a computed tomography (CT) scan, potentially providing patients with a way to keep track of their cumulative health care-related radiation exposure, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society, held from May 2 to 7 in San Diego.

George Shih, M.D., of the Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City, and colleagues examined a random selection of 518 CT dose reports processed by the system, called Valkyrie, to determine its ability to accurately track dose information and to ultimately perform automated quality control, promote awareness of radiation safety, and provide a longitudinal record of patients' radiation exposure in the health care setting.

The researchers found that the system accurately extracted dose information from 100 percent of the CT dose reports. The authors note that the system is not dependent on the DICOM SR Dose Report Standard, available on only the newest CT scanners, and thus can be used with existing equipment.

"Valkyrie, a modular and manufacturer-independent system, can be integrated with any existing CT scanner. This automates digital dose reporting and makes it possible to provide a longitudinal record of health care exposure in a patient's personal health record," the authors write.